Unknown Cat Skin Disorder

by Tony
(Illinois)

Cat Skin Disorder Reader Question: It started as a very small bump under the surface of the lower eyelid. It eventually progressed into hair loss around the corner of the eye and the skin became very pink and inflamed. It has now spread to the upper eyelid area with hair loss as well.

I have had him to three Veterinarians, all of which are unable to tell me exactly what the problem is. I am currently waiting for the results of a DTM (dermatophyte test medium). One of the Doctors scraped the area with a scalpel and also applied a type of tape to the area to collect a sample which was looked at through a microscope.

I was told that the hair shafts were "moth-eaten" which was indicative of a fungal-type of infection but nothing was conclusively determined.

I was initially given Prednisolone Acetate 1% and Erythromycin which I faithfully administered for approx. 1 week. His eye was actually getting worse so I discontinued those medications and started Clavamox and Itraconazole. It has been approximately 4 days and it doesn't seem to be helping.

Cosmo is a male 12 year-old Siamese who is approximately 12 lbs. He has never had any health issues and has always had a very beautiful coat. I have always given him quality food (Hill's Science Diet). I have recently changed formulas of food but not changed brands. I don't think the food change is relevant, but thought I should mention it. If anyone has had a similar problem please help. We are hoping this will soon heal but until then we are desperately seeking any advice or input. Please help!

Cat Skin Disorder: Cat Health Guide Editor Reply:

Dear Tony,

Sorry to hear about the skin disorder around your cat's eye.

There are several possible cat eye conditions related to the feline species, including infections, inflammation, worm infestation or even tumors.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to diagnose the condition through the picture or even through the symptoms and treatment approaches you mentioned.

However, there are some possibilities and points you should discuss with your veterinarian. It seems that

the eye is swollen and your poor cat is unable to open both of the eyes completely. Moreover, the coat looks dense over the face and alopecia (hair loss) seems to be extended down over the face.

All of these symptoms indicate that even if it was a minor condition earlier, the skin problem has developed into a relatively complicated case.

If inflammation in the eye is ever suspected, treatment should be applied that prevents swelling so that the eye remains open. The logic behind this approach is to prevent accumulation of debris, broken hairs, pus or any allergen behind the swollen eyelids.

So, you should preferably discuss this with your veterinarian and an approach to reduce swelling should be followed. This may be accomplished with steroids or any quality anti inflammatory ointment applied topically.

Secondly, it is most possible that it might be a fungal condition, as the tests suggest, but remember that fungal infections may also cause simultaneous eye infections, which should be diagnosed properly. Lesions, pus and redness of the eye can be noted. In the presence of inflammation, as in this case, it will be relatively harder to diagnose.

The drugs you have mentioned are effective, but your veterinarian must revise them to a more specific approach, i.e. drugs should be broad spectrum and both modes of administration (oral and topical) should be followed. Remember, topical application of specific drugs will only be successful once the inflammation has resolved itself, otherwise drugs may not get absorbed into the inner parts of the cat eyelid to act effectively.

Unfortunately, we cannot prescribe any specific drugs here; we can recommend some eye cleansers and herbal remedies, which you should apply regularly. Eye cleansers such as OptiClear Eye Wash will surely help in keeping the eye clear of any allergens, secondary bacteria and debris while herbal remedies such as Eye-Heal will keep the inner parts of eye clear, bright, and healthy. These are only for support; specific treatment should be prescribed by your veterinarian.

Sorry we couldn't be of more help. Please keep in touch and let us know how this case is cured.